How can you get the most out of your brain at work?

All these brain training games and mental exercises sometimes make me think that I’m not getting the most out of my mind.

Is there more to unlock, but I just don’t know how?

At work this is magnified ten-fold, especially when I have those stressful days where nothing seems to go right.

Apparently there are a few things that can be done to help.

Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Lynda Shaw explained that one of the most important things to tackle when wanting to improve brain function is dehydration.

“When we’re dehydrated we don’t [work as well]. Sometimes when an old person comes in [for a medical examination] and looks like they’ve got dementia, they actually have a urinary infection due to dehydration,” she said.

Dr Shaw suggested that it’s essential to have a bottle of water by your desk and that you drink it all day to keep hydrated.

Another essential thing to be aware of is the amount of time we spend on our computers.

The internet is something I couldn’t function without, but she argues that everyone needs breaks from it, even if it’s only a five minute wander down the corridor.

“You can use different software where only the information that’s relevant to you comes to you, and you’re not bathed in this massive sea of stuff that you’ll never understand or want to read,” she added.

Stress can severely impact cognitive functions, and is particularly common in the workplace now.

It’s important to stick to lunch break times and create a work routine, to allow your brain some time off from work during the day.

Down time is also essential for when you return home, as those who take their work away from the office can be impacting on their brain function and increasing their stress levels.

How do you deal with stress?

Posted by Mandy Jones